Section 24.130  The Illinois Professional Teaching Standards Through June 30, 2026

 

The provisions of this Section establish the minimum requirements both for the approval of any teacher preparation program or course of study in any teaching field pursuant to the State Board's rules for licensure (23 Ill. Adm. Code 25.Subpart C) and the basis of the examinations required for issuance of a professional educator license endorsed in a teaching field.

 

a)         Teaching Diverse Students – The competent teacher understands the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how individuals develop and learn within the context of their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences.  The teacher uses these experiences to create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands the spectrum of student diversity (e.g., race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, special education, gifted, English language learners (ELL), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity) and the assets that each student brings to learning across the curriculum;

 

B)        understands how each student constructs knowledge, acquires skills, and develops effective and efficient critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities;

 

C)        understands how teaching and student learning are influenced by development (physical, social and emotional, cognitive, linguistic), past experiences, talents, prior knowledge, economic circumstances and diversity within the community;

 

D)        understands the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory disabilities on learning and communication pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (also referred to as IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), its implementing regulations (34 CFR 300 (2022)), Article 14 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/Art.14] and 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226 (Special Education);

 

E)        understands the impact of linguistic and cultural diversity on learning and communication;

 

F)         understands the teacher's personal perspectives and biases and their effects on one's teaching; and

 

G)        understands how to identify individual needs and how to locate and access technology, services, and resources to address those needs.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        analyzes and uses student information to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students and leads to ongoing growth and achievement;

 

B)        stimulates prior knowledge and links new ideas to already familiar ideas and experiences;

 

C)        differentiates strategies, materials, pace, levels of complexity, and language to introduce concepts and principles so that they are meaningful to students at varying levels of development and to students with diverse learning needs;

 

D)        facilitates a learning community in which individual differences are respected; and

 

E)        uses information about students' individual experiences, families, cultures, and communities to create meaningful learning opportunities and enrich instruction for all students.

 

b)         Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge – The competent teacher has in-depth understanding of content area knowledge that includes central concepts, methods of inquiry, structures of the disciplines, and content area literacy.  The teacher creates meaningful learning experiences for each student based upon interactions among content area and pedagogical knowledge, and evidence-based practice.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands theories and philosophies of learning and human development as they relate to the range of students in the classroom;

 

B)        understands major concepts, assumptions, debates, and principles; processes of inquiry; and theories that are central to the disciplines;

 

C)        understands the cognitive processes associated with various kinds of learning (e.g., critical and creative thinking, problem-structuring and problem-solving, invention, memorization, and recall) and ensures attention to these learning processes so that students can master content standards;

 

D)        understands the relationship of knowledge within the disciplines to other content areas and to life applications;

 

E)        understands how diverse student characteristics and abilities affect processes of inquiry and influence patterns of learning;

 

F)         knows how to access the tools and knowledge related to latest findings (e.g., research, practice, methodologies) and technologies in the disciplines;

 

G)        understands the theory behind and the process for providing support to promote learning when concepts and skills are first being introduced; and

 

H)        understands the relationship among language acquisition (first and second), literacy development, and acquisition of academic content and skills.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        evaluates teaching resources and materials for appropriateness as related to curricular content and each student's needs;

 

B)        uses differing viewpoints, theories, and methods of inquiry in teaching subject matter concepts;

 

C)        engages students in the processes of critical thinking and inquiry and addresses standards of evidence of the disciplines;

 

D)        demonstrates fluency in technology systems, uses technology to support instruction and enhance student learning, and designs learning experiences to develop student skills in the application of technology appropriate to the disciplines;

 

E)        uses a variety of explanations and multiple representations of concepts that capture key ideas to help each student develop conceptual understanding and address common misunderstandings;

 

F)         facilitates learning experiences that make connections to other content areas and to life experiences;

 

G)        designs learning experiences and utilizes assistive technology and digital tools to provide access to general curricular content to individuals with disabilities;

 

H)        adjusts practice to meet the needs of each student in the content areas; and

 

I)         applies and adapts an array of content area literacy strategies to make all subject matter accessible to each student.

 

c)         Planning for Differentiated Instruction – The competent teacher plans and designs instruction based on content area knowledge, diverse student characteristics, student performance data, curriculum goals, and the community context.  The teacher plans for ongoing student growth and achievement.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands the Illinois Learning Standards (23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.Appendix D), curriculum development process, content, learning theory, assessment, and student development and knows how to incorporate this knowledge in planning differentiated instruction;

 

B)        understands how to develop short- and long-range plans, including transition plans, consistent with curriculum goals, student diversity, and learning theory;

 

C)        understands cultural, linguistic, cognitive, physical, and social and emotional differences, and considers the needs of each student when planning instruction;

 

D)        understands when and how to adjust plans based on outcome data, as well as student needs, goals, and responses;

 

E)        understands the appropriate role of technology, including assistive technology, to address student needs, as well as how to incorporate contemporary tools and resources to maximize student learning;

 

F)         understands how to co-plan with other classroom teachers, parents or guardians, paraprofessionals, school specialists, and community representatives to design learning experiences; and

 

G)        understands how research and data guide instructional planning, delivery, and adaptation.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        establishes high expectations for each student's learning and behavior;

 

B)        creates short-term and long-term plans to achieve the expectations for student learning;

 

C)        uses data to plan for differentiated instruction to allow for variations in individual learning needs;

 

D)        incorporates experiences into instructional practices that relate to a student's current life experiences and to future life experiences;

 

E)        creates approaches to learning that are interdisciplinary and that integrate multiple content areas;

 

F)         develops plans based on student responses and provides for different pathways based on student needs;

 

G)        accesses and uses a wide range of information and instructional technologies to enhance a student's ongoing growth and achievement;

 

H)        when planning instruction, addresses goals and objectives contained in plans developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), individualized education programs (IEP) (see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226 (Special Education)) or individual family service plans (IFSP) (see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226 and 34 CFR 300.24; 2006);

 

I)         works with others to adapt and modify instruction to meet individual student needs; and

 

J)         develops or selects relevant instructional content, materials, resources, and strategies (e.g., project-based learning) for differentiating instruction.

 

d)         Learning Environment – The competent teacher structures a safe and healthy learning environment that facilitates cultural and linguistic responsiveness, emotional well-being, self-efficacy, positive social interaction, mutual respect, active engagement, academic risk-taking, self-motivation, and personal goal-setting.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands principles of and strategies for effective classroom and behavior management;

 

B)        understands how individuals influence groups and how groups function in society;

 

C)        understands how to help students work cooperatively and productively in groups;

 

D)        understands factors (e.g., self-efficacy, positive social interaction) that influence motivation and engagement;

 

E)        knows how to assess the instructional environment to determine how best to meet a student's individual needs;

 

F)         understands laws, rules, and ethical considerations regarding behavior intervention planning and behavior management (e.g., bullying, crisis intervention, physical restraint);

 

G)        knows strategies to implement behavior management and behavior intervention planning to ensure a safe and productive learning environment; and

 

H)        understands the use of student data (formative and summative) to design and implement behavior management strategies.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        creates a safe and healthy environment that maximizes student learning;

 

B)        creates clear expectations and procedures for communication and behavior and a physical setting conducive to achieving classroom goals;

 

C)        uses strategies to create a smoothly functioning learning community in which students assume responsibility for themselves and one another, participate in decision-making, work collaboratively and independently, use appropriate technology, and engage in purposeful learning activities;

 

D)        analyzes the classroom environment and makes decisions to enhance cultural and linguistic responsiveness, mutual respect, positive social relationships, student motivation, and classroom engagement;

 

E)        organizes, allocates, and manages time, materials, technology, and physical space to provide active and equitable engagement of students in productive learning activities;

 

F)         engages students in and monitors individual and group-learning activities that help them develop the motivation to learn;

 

G)        uses a variety of effective behavioral management techniques appropriate to the needs of all students that include positive behavior interventions and supports;

 

H)        modifies the learning environment (including the schedule and physical arrangement) to facilitate appropriate behaviors and learning for students with diverse learning characteristics; and

 

I)         analyzes student behavior data to develop and support positive behavior.

 

e)         Instructional Delivery – The competent teacher differentiates instruction by using a variety of strategies that support critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and continuous growth and learning.  This teacher understands that the classroom is a dynamic environment requiring ongoing modification of instruction to enhance learning for each student.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands the cognitive processes associated with various kinds of learning;

 

B)        understands principles and techniques, along with advantages and limitations, associated with a wide range of evidence-based instructional practices;

 

C)        knows how to implement effective differentiated instruction through the use of a wide variety of materials, technologies, and resources;

 

D)        understands disciplinary and interdisciplinary instructional approaches and how they relate to life and career experiences;

 

E)        knows techniques for modifying instructional methods, materials, and the environment to facilitate learning for students with diverse learning characteristics;

 

F)         knows strategies to maximize student attentiveness and engagement;

 

G)        knows how to evaluate and use student performance data to adjust instruction while teaching; and

 

H)        understands when and how to adapt or modify instruction based on outcome data, as well as student needs, goals, and responses.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        uses multiple teaching strategies, including adjusted pacing and flexible grouping, to engage students in active learning opportunities that promote the development of critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and performance capabilities;

 

B)        monitors and adjusts strategies in response to feedback from the student;

 

C)        varies the teacher's role in the instructional process as instructor, facilitator, coach, or audience in relation to the content and purposes of instruction and the needs of students;

 

D)        develops a variety of clear, accurate presentations and representations of concepts, using alternative explanations to assist students' understanding and presenting diverse perspectives to encourage critical and creative thinking;

 

E)        uses strategies and techniques for facilitating meaningful inclusion of individuals with a range of abilities and experiences;

 

F)         uses technology to accomplish differentiated instructional objectives that enhance learning for each student;

 

G)        models and facilitates effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning;

 

H)        uses student data to adapt the curriculum and implement instructional strategies and materials according to the characteristics of each student;

 

I)         uses effective co-planning and co-teaching techniques to deliver instruction to all students;

 

J)         maximizes instructional time (e.g., minimizes transitional time); and

 

K)        implements appropriate evidence-based instructional strategies.

 

f)         Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication – The competent teacher has foundational knowledge of reading, writing, and oral communication within the content area and recognizes and addresses student reading, writing, and oral communication needs to facilitate the acquisition of content knowledge.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands appropriate and varied instructional approaches used before, during, and after reading, including those that develop word knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and strategy use in the content areas;

 

B)        understands that the reading process involves the construction of meaning through the interactions of the reader's background knowledge and experiences, the information in the text, and the purpose of the reading situation;

 

C)        understands communication theory, language development, and the role of language in learning;

 

D)        understands writing processes and their importance to content learning;

 

E)        knows and models standard conventions of written and oral communications;

 

F)         recognizes the relationships among reading, writing, and oral communication and understands how to integrate these components to increase content learning;

 

G)        understands how to design, select, modify, and evaluate a wide range of materials for the content areas and the reading needs of the student;

 

H)        understands how to use a variety of formal and informal assessments to recognize and address the reading, writing, and oral communication needs of each student; and

 

I)         knows appropriate and varied instructional approaches, including those that develop word knowledge, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and strategy use in the content areas.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        selects, modifies, and uses a wide range of printed, visual, or auditory materials, and online resources appropriate to the content areas and the reading needs and levels of each student (including ELLs, and struggling and advanced readers);

 

B)        uses assessment data, student work samples, and observations from continuous monitoring of student progress to plan and evaluate effective content area reading, writing, and oral communication instruction;

 

C)        facilitates the use of appropriate word identification and vocabulary strategies to develop each student's understanding of content;

 

D)        teaches fluency strategies to facilitate comprehension of content;

 

E)        uses modeling, explanation, practice, and feedback to teach students to monitor and apply comprehension strategies independently, appropriate to the content learning;

 

F)         teaches students to analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and summarize information in single texts and across multiple texts, including electronic resources;

 

G)        teaches students to develop written text appropriate to the content areas that utilizes organization (e.g., compare/contrast, problem/solution), focus, elaboration, word choice, and standard conventions (e.g., punctuation, grammar);

 

H)        integrates reading, writing, and oral communication to engage students in content learning;

 

I)         works with other teachers and support personnel to design, adjust, and modify instruction to meet students' reading, writing, and oral communication needs; and

 

J)         stimulates discussion in the content areas for varied instructional and conversational purposes.

 

g)         Assessment – The competent teacher understands and uses appropriate formative and summative assessments for determining student needs, monitoring student progress, measuring student growth, and evaluating student outcomes.  The teacher makes decisions driven by data about curricular and instructional effectiveness and adjusts practices to meet the needs of each student.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands the purposes, characteristics, and limitations of different types of assessments, including standardized assessments, universal screening, curriculum-based assessment, and progress monitoring tools;

 

B)        understands that assessment is a means of evaluating how students learn and what they know and are able to do in order to meet the Illinois Learning Standards;

 

C)        understands measurement theory and assessment-related issues, such as validity, reliability, bias, and appropriate and accurate scoring;

 

D)        understands current terminology and procedures necessary for the appropriate analysis and interpretation of assessment data;

 

E)        understands how to select, construct, and use assessment strategies and instruments for diagnosis and evaluation of learning and instruction;

 

F)         knows research-based assessment strategies appropriate for each student;

 

G)        understands how to make data-driven decisions using assessment results to adjust practices to meet the needs of each student;

 

H)        knows legal provisions, rules, and guidelines regarding assessment and assessment accommodations for all student populations; and

 

I)         knows assessment and progress monitoring techniques to assess the effectiveness of instruction for each student.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        uses assessment results to determine student performance levels, identify learning targets, select appropriate research-based instructional strategies, and implement instruction to enhance learning outcomes;

 

B)        appropriately uses a variety of formal and informal assessments to evaluate the understanding, progress, and performance of an individual student and the class as a whole;

 

C)        involves students in self-assessment activities to help them become aware of their strengths and needs and encourages them to establish goals for learning;

 

D)        maintains useful and accurate records of student work and performance;

 

E)        accurately interprets and clearly communicates aggregate student performance data to students, parents or guardians, colleagues, and the community in a manner that complies with the requirements of the Illinois School Student Records Act [105 ILCS 10], 23 Ill. Adm. Code 375 (Student Records), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR 99; January 19, 2017);

 

F)         effectively uses appropriate technologies to conduct assessments, monitor performance, and assess student progress;

 

G)        collaborates with families and other professionals involved in the assessment of each student;

 

H)        uses various types of assessment procedures appropriately, including making accommodations for individual students in specific contexts; and

 

I)         uses assessment strategies and devices that are nondiscriminatory, and take into consideration the impact of disabilities, methods of communication, cultural background, and primary language on measuring knowledge and performance of students.

 

h)         Collaborative Relationships – The competent teacher builds and maintains collaborative relationships to foster cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social and emotional development.  This teacher works as a team member with professional colleagues, students, parents or guardians, and community members.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        understands schools as organizations within the larger community context;

 

B)        understands the collaborative process and the skills necessary to initiate and carry out that process;

 

C)        collaborates with others in the use of data to design and implement effective school interventions that benefit all students;

 

D)        understands the benefits, barriers, and techniques involved in parent and family collaborations;

 

E)        understands school- and work-based learning environments and the need for collaboration with all organizations (e.g., businesses, community agencies, nonprofit organizations) to enhance student learning;

 

F)         understands the importance of participating on collaborative and problem-solving teams to create effective academic and behavioral interventions for all students;

 

G)        understands the various models of co-teaching and the procedures for implementing them across the curriculum;

 

H)        understands concerns of families of students with disabilities and knows appropriate strategies to collaborate with students and their families in addressing these concerns; and

 

I)         understands the roles and the importance of including students with disabilities, as appropriate, and all team members in planning individualized education programs (i.e, IEP, IFSP, Section 504 plan) for students with disabilities.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        works with all school personnel (e.g., support staff, teachers, paraprofessionals) to develop learning climates for the school that encourage unity, support a sense of shared purpose, show trust in one another, and value individuals;

 

B)        participates in collaborative decision-making and problem-solving with colleagues and other professionals to achieve success for all students;

 

C)        initiates collaboration with others to create opportunities that enhance student learning;

 

D)        uses digital tools and resources to promote collaborative interactions;

 

E)        uses effective co-planning and co-teaching techniques to deliver instruction to each student;

 

F)         collaborates with school personnel in the implementation of appropriate assessment and instruction for designated students;

 

G)        develops professional relationships with parents and guardians that result in fair and equitable treatment of each student to support growth and learning;

 

H)        establishes respectful and productive relationships with parents or guardians and seeks to develop cooperative partnerships to promote student learning and well-being;

 

I)         uses conflict resolution skills to enhance the effectiveness of collaboration and teamwork;

 

J)         participates in the design and implementation of individualized instruction for students with special needs (i.e., IEPs, IFSP, transition plans, Section 504 plans), ELLs, and students who are gifted; and

 

K)        identifies and utilizes community resources to enhance student learning and to provide opportunities for students to explore career opportunities.

 

i)          Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy – The competent teacher is an ethical and reflective practitioner who exhibits professionalism; provides leadership in the learning community; and advocates for students, parents or guardians, and the profession.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        evaluates best practices and research-based materials against benchmarks within the disciplines;

 

B)        knows laws and rules (e.g., mandatory reporting, sexual misconduct, corporal punishment) as a foundation for the fair and just treatment of all students and their families in the classroom and school;

 

C)        understands emergency response procedures as required under the School Safety Drill Act [105 ILCS 128], including school safety and crisis intervention protocol, initial response actions (e.g., whether to stay in or evacuate a building), and first response to medical emergencies (e.g., first aid and life-saving techniques);

 

D)        identifies paths for continuous professional growth and improvement, including the design of a professional growth plan;

 

E)        is cognizant of the teacher's emerging and developed leadership skills and the applicability of those skills within a variety of learning communities;

 

F)         understands the roles of an advocate, the process of advocacy, and its place in combating or promoting certain school district practices affecting students;

 

G)        understands local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture; and

 

H)        understands the importance of modeling appropriate dispositions in the classroom.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent teacher:

 

A)        models professional behavior that reflects honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, confidentiality, altruism and respect;

 

B)        maintains accurate records, manages data effectively, and protects the confidentiality of information pertaining to each student and family;

 

C)        reflects on professional practice and resulting outcomes; engages in self-assessment; and adjusts practices to improve student performance, school goals, and professional growth;

 

D)        communicates with families, responds to concerns, and contributes to enhanced family participation in student education;

 

E)        communicates relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents or guardians, and peers, using a variety of technology and digital-age media and formats;

 

F)         collaborates with other teachers, students, parents or guardians, specialists, administrators, and community partners to enhance students' learning and school improvement;

 

G)        participates in professional development, professional organizations, and learning communities, and engages in peer coaching and mentoring activities to enhance personal growth and development;

 

H)        uses leadership skills that contribute to individual and collegial growth and development, school improvement, and the advancement of knowledge in the teaching profession;

 

I)         proactively serves all students and their families with equity and honor and advocates on their behalf, ensuring the learning and well-being of each child in the classroom;

 

J)         is aware of and complies with the mandatory reporter provisions of Section 4 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act [325 ILCS 5/4];

 

K)        models digital etiquette and responsible social actions in the use of digital technology; and

 

L)        models and teaches safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 390, effective December 29, 2022)